*Knock knock knock.*

Just then, clear rapping sounded at the door. Astolfo pushed it open, stepped inside, and bowed gracefully toward the two figures pressed together on the sofa.

"My apologies, Your Majesty, Holy Maiden."

Her tone was respectful yet relaxed—never shrill, every syllable crisp and clear.

"Astolfo, what is it?" Ledyah asked after a brief pause, already guessing why the maid sought her out.

"Indeed, Your Majesty. Most of the Moon Spirit Pearls and Holy Night Grass are missing from the treasury. Five Holy Beast eggs have vanished, and alchemical tools show signs of recent use. Do you have any insight?" Astolfo’s gaze locked onto Ledyah, as if certain she was the culprit.

"*Gah!*"

Ledyah instantly grasped the situation. Guilt flashed across her face as she averted her eyes.

"Moon Spirit Pearls, Holy Night Grass, Holy Beast eggs... all precious nourishing ingredients, delicious too—but low in medicinal value. If alchemical tools were used..." Noah tilted his head up, having just finished his meal. Knowledge from his mind collided with recent events. A conclusion struck him. His gaze turned playful as he watched Ledyah, a faint, knowing smile curling his lips.

"W-What’s with that look?!"

Pinned by their stares—Astolfo’s reproachful glare and Noah’s teasing smirk—the once-defiant Ledyah shrank like a cornered kitten. Finally snapping, she blurted out petulantly, "Hmph! There’s *nothing*~! If you wanted it, Demon Lord, just ask me! No need to splurge on substitutes~."

Noah knew exactly why Ledyah had taken those items. He was merely teasing her. With a mischievous flick of his tongue, he winked one eye, his posture dripping with allure. His fingers tugged at the cloth draped over his ample chest, threatening to reveal more creamy skin.

"*Ahem!* Later. We’ll discuss this later." Ledyah’s face flushed crimson. She stood abruptly, avoiding Noah’s gaze entirely, her breathing slightly uneven. "I’ll replenish the treasury’s supplies. As Demon King, I have urgent duties. Excuse me."

Astolfo knew full well there were no pressing duties. But she offered Ledyah this sliver of dignity. "Understood. Then, Holy Maiden, I shall escort His Majesty out first." The maid bowed slightly to Noah before following the flustered Demon King from the parlor.

Noah watched them leave with a smile. He lowered his hand from the cloth, sinking back into the still-warm sofa, savoring its softness.

"*I’ll inquire about that little one later,*" he mused contentedly.

...

"Hmm... this node’s position checks out..." Isaac traced a spot on her map, inspecting part of the Demon King’s Castle’s barrier.

Maids here were mostly noble-born demon girls—naturally gifted in magic. With minimal training, they became skilled mages and technicians, maintaining areas even the royal guard couldn’t access.

As a new scullery maid, Isaac’s assigned zone was small and unimportant. Sabotaging it would raise suspicion. To earn trust and rescue Noah, she worked diligently.

"Right... that should cover all inspected nodes..." After nearly an afternoon spent clearing minor blockages in the mana channels, Isaac marked another spot on her map.

Turning to report to the head maid, she collided headfirst with two enormous, pillowy softnesses.

"Sorry, I—" Isaac stammered instinctively, only to be yanked into a crushing embrace. An aircraft carrier’s worth of warmth smothered her petite face.

"Little one~," a familiar, honeyed voice purred in her ear. "Rushing in like this... missing me already~?"

Isaac’s face burned crimson against Noah’s chest. "*N-Noah Sister!*"

"*Noah?! WHERE?!*" Joshua jolted awake from her nap. Her mechanical owl burst from under the maid’s skirt with a frantic *whirr*.

"*WAAAAH! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!*" Joshua’s owl-eyes widened at the scene—aircraft carrier crushing destroyer, utterly indecent. Her flight path spiraled erratically, mirroring her inner chaos.

"*Nnngh...* Noah Sister... can you let go...?" Isaac’s muffled voice trembled. Trapped in that warm embrace, her breathing grew ragged. Struggling only sank her deeper.

"*Mmmf!* Alright, alright." Noah’s own breath hitched from Isaac’s warm puffs against her skin. She released the girl, holding her shoulders. "There."

"*Haaah...*" Isaac gasped, freed. Crimson spread from her cheeks to her ears. Her usually clear eyes were hazy, dazed—as if a hidden switch had flipped. "*Noah Sister... you’re amazing...*"

"..."

Joshua, realizing resistance was futile, perched on the windowsill. She covered her owl-face with wings, peering through a gap with two bright, unblinking eyes.

"*J-Joshua Sister?! You saw everything?!*" Isaac spotted the owl and flushed even deeper, her porcelain face steaming like a kettle. "*Hssss—*"

"Mmm. Absolutely gorgeous." Joshua’s voice was blissfully vacant. Her owl-eyes glowed like recording lenses. "I even captured footage. Perfect for insomnia nights."

"*Uuuuuh...*" Isaac’s shame deepened. She buried her face in her hands and knees, the phantom warmth of Noah’s embrace flooding back with cruel clarity.